Monthly Archives: January 2019

A bucket shaped bag with an ample gusset is a versatile and convenient item to have. With the zipper top it gives you a peace of mind as contents can be securely concealed. The smile filled fabric from the funny art series definitely gives you a grin. With this bag, your outing will be so much fun and cheery♪

Today’s project, a body bag, is the perfect accompaniment for a casual outing as it fits to your body and is more informal than a backpack. The featured fabric is from the Amecomi series, which is filled with fun and lively American comics design. With such motifs, just carrying this bag will put you in a great mood.

Comfortable to wear, this linen bib Jumper comes in Coup de Coeur series fabric. With particular attention to color and material, this series of solid linen fabrics were created as a collaboration with atelier musubi. atelier musubi designs and produces apparel pieces based on a concept that adds playfulness to the clothing with special focus on linens. “The French expression, coup de coeur, means that you have a sudden crush or instantly fall for something. It will be wonderful if these colors and materials attract and inspire you to create a garment of your own.”(by atelier musubi)

The featured project is a stylish tote bag with a look of recycled denim fabric. An oxford denim-like print is from the POINT DENIM series. The denim fabric at the top and for the handles adds a feel of repurposed denim. The safety zipper at the opening hides the contents completely, creating a clean design when carrying the bag. This tote is fun to make and completely satisfies what you expect from a tote bag.

＊All Rights Reserved. Please refrain from the unauthorized use of project photos.

We interviewed Anriko about her creation:Kokka Fabric (KF): What did you think of the fabric you used for this project?
It is an oxford fabric, but the print looks like denim with a pop and fun space-themed design. The pockets and stitches are tactfully used to create a varied look and enhance the design.

KF: Can you tell us any special elements or ideas that you incorporated into this creation?
Overall, it is a convenient tote with a large gusset and ample room despite its look. In any event, a pocket is a must, so I became totally playful with the denim-like print design to create a bag made from repurposed denim pants.

KF: What are some tips for making this bag?
The denim fabric is used in place for the pieces where you normally need fusible interfacing. In this way I was able to skip the interfacing process that people often do not favor. Also, attaching the square bottom on the looped top is not easy, so I came up with a process to attach the square bottom at the end.

KF: How should we use this bag in everyday situations?
The belt loop is created as more of a design feature, but you can attach bag charms (as shown in the photo) or tie the pass case or key case to the center loop so that you can conveniently place them in the pocket. It is handy to have this loop, as you can avoid dropping or having to look for something by tying the items.

KF: Thank you very much, Anriko! Here are sewing instructions along with step by step photos from her. Enjoy crafting!

A must-have item for kindergartens and school children, this drawstring style lunch bag features a fabric from the Smile Time series that is filled with delicious dishes like kid’s special lunch plate and onigiri rice balls. An easy to sew cotton 100% oxford material gives peace of mind for sewing beginners. Why not attach a kid’s favorite food motif at the end of the drawstring? It will make the bag doubly cute!

＊All Rights Reserved. Please refrain from the unauthorized use of project photos.

We interviewed Ruka about her creation:Kokka Fabric (KF): What did you think of the fabric you used for this project?
It features such lovely designs of Japanese bento boxes. When I saw it, I immediately wanted to make a lunch bag for a bento lunch box.

KF: Can you tell us any special elements or ideas that you incorporated into this creation?
Each and every design is lovely. The cutout of the onigiri rice ball is attached as a pull for the drawstring, making it easy for kids to open and close the bag.

KF: What are some tips for making this bag?
Because of the process, it does not require finishing the edges. The whole bag is made as one piece, and the outer bag is pulled out from the opening. You may find it difficult at first, but once you learn the process, you may want to keep making more.

KF:How should we use this bag in everyday situations?
Why not fill it with a bento (lunch) box and taking it with you for a picnic or an outing to the zoo or amusement park? Pick a dish from the fabric’s design and include it in your bento. By telling your child, “It’s the same dish as featured in your bag!,” you can create a fun eating moment with your child. It is also a good idea to use it as a snack bag for your walking.

KF: Thank you very much, Ruka! Here are sewing instructions along with step by step photos from her. Enjoy crafting!